JobTrainer explained:
What is it, who qualifies, what does it pay? The Australian government has announced a A$2 billion skills package it has dubbed JobTrainer. It follows JobKeeper, the wage subsidy program (worth about A$70 billion); Jobseeker, which doubled the A$550-a-week unemployment benefit (as well as other government income payments, at a cost of A$14 billion); and JobMaker, providing A$250 million to stimulate work in the entertainment, arts and screen sectors. Read more: Government announces $2.5 billion package
to support training and apprenticeships
The JobTrainer package has two parts. The first part, worth A$1.5 billion, is aimed at keeping those already in apprenticeships and traineeships employed.
It covers half the wage eligible employers pay apprentices and trainees, up to A$7,000 a quarter (A$28,000 a year). This compares to A$9,750 the Jobkeeper pays as a flat rate of A$750 a week. But unlike JobKeeper, employers are not required to demonstrate reduced turnover to qualify. There is a cut-off criteria according to organisation size, but it’s more generous than the scheme it extends. Previously the subsidy was only available to businesses with fewer than 20 employees. Now the limit is 200. The federal government estimates about 90,000 businesses will use the scheme, supporting about 180,000 apprentices or trainees. The scheme is scheduled to run till March 31 2021.
The second part is aimed at school leavers and those looking for work. It provides A$500 million for vocational education and training courses. That funding is conditional on matching funds from state and territory governments.
Subsidising wages The A$1.5 billion to subsidise the wages of currently employed apprentices and trainees extends a pre existing program called Supporting Apprentices and Trainees.
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2020 August Issue | 21
